University of Portland Top Questions

There is no point to stressing out about every little detail. You may not win every scholarship and you may not get into your dream school, but as long as you stay dedicated to your goals and true to yourself things will work out. The school you attend will do their best to insure you can afford you can go there. So do not worry so much about the finacial aspect and focus on going to the place that will make you happy whether that is a university, community college, trade school, or work. Everything will work out. Keep a clear mind and always remember to do what makes you happy regardless of the sacrifices it might take.

If I could sit across myself as a high school student, I would advise myself to welcome change as opposed to resisting it. In high school, I truly believed that I knew everything I needed to about myself. The stubbornness and ignorance that can stem from this level of pride can be damaging to one’s character before it evens gets a chance to develop. As I noticed my interests changing, I turned the other cheek. I didn’t realize that change is quite a rewarding experience. Allowing yourself to change is key in self-discovery, and this is a life-long process. This form of flexibility is part of having a strong sense of self, though the opposite may seem to be true. The world is constantly changing, and we must not stay stagnant, or we risk falling behind. A wise man by the name of George Bernard Shaw said that “the reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” George Bernard Shaw was onto something; a concept that every young adult should be introduced to early on.

If I can go back in time, I would like to tell myself not to worry about anything external factors and fo apply every school that I want. Even though some school that you think you will not be able to get in, but just apply anyway. At least then you will have no regrets in your later life time, gave it an ending to your dream. Failure to get in to your dream school isnot ashame, what is embrasses is the regretion that you do not even have the courage to try. This not only applying to the process of applying colleges, but also to anything in life. We shall have the courage to try and fail because now I believe that failures are a beautiful experience in life that we will refer back in our old age. Which those memories and experiences are what created us to be where we are in the old age.

Love every minute of being surrounded by your childhood friends. College is a new world, and even though high school seems so long, it's not. That said, I would advice myself to have applied for more scholarships. College is not cheap, and every application that you turn in can make a difference. Overall I would have adviced myself to cherish the memories I made in high school and be ready to make new ones.

Getting one major scholarships doesn't cut it, apply for more scholarships. Always be prepared to work in groups, and volunteer even more than you did. Volunteering is huge in college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to relax and to trust myself and my abilities. As my senior year of high school ended I was filled with an incredible excitement that could'nt be contained. I was ready for the next phase of my life. However, this excitement was mixed with nervousness. There were so many things that I was unsure of or that I thought would go wrong in college. I had an image of what my life would be like for the next four years and I was scared that college would not meet my expectations. However, now that I have gone through the transition of graduating and starting my undergraduate studies, my advice would be to relax. Expectations should be thrown out the window. Instead of expecting certain things or being nervous, my advice is to live each moment and be as present as possible. To do this, I wish I could go back and tell myself to trust in who I know I am and in my abilities to lead the life that I want to lead.

Now that I’m armed with the knowledge of what to expect from college, some advice I would have given myself would be, “Yuri, give yourself time.” Learn to be patient and not expect for everything to be perfect the first week. Take time to make friends, see what you like and get involved; pursue deep friendships. Don’t be afraid to get to know your professors, they are there to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of their office hours; it shows you care about their class and your grades. Most importantly, remember that your main priority is your education. Before deciding to go out exploring your new surroundings, make sure your homework is completed and that you have taken the time to study. I would tell myself to remember that freshman year can be one of the best years of your life if you go into it with the right attitude and a light heart. Take chances, step outside your comfort zone, make long lasting friendships, work hard, and above all become the success you deserve to be. College opens many doors for your career and personal life, chase after them.

I would tell myself to relax. I would tell myself that everything will work out the way that it is supposed to. There are more important things than grades in life. I was 12th in my class of 273 people and I got into a lot of really good schools, but I wish I would have had more fun in high school and let loose a little more. I would also encourage myself to appreciate those closest to myself. Now that I am here at the University, I realize how important family and friends are as a support system. When I am having mental breakdowns or I have way too much to do and am stressing about it, those are the people that I call because I know I can rely on them. Family is the most important thing you have and it's important to be there for them so that they can be there for you. I would tell myself to have my priorities straight. Make time for family and friends, but don't lose sight of your goal or what you are trying to accomplish. Don't settle for anything and keep believing in yourself.

I would advise my high school-self to take advantage of all the opportunities that interest me as soon as I arrive on campus. When I first got to college, I didn't make an effort to get involved in activities on campus right away because I was too concerned about my academic studies and wasn't sure if I would be able to handle extra-curriculars as well. As a result, I feel as though I missed out on a lot of opportunities that I would have enjoyed and friendships that I would have made. Now, however, I am involved in so many ways on campus and I constantly seek out more opportunities. Although this makes me much busier, it causes me to be much more efficient with my time. More importantly, it gives me a break from my studies and allows me to participate in activities that I love.

If I could tell my high school self one thing, it would to never be afraid to be open, to be vulnerable, to new experiences. Coming from high school, where people tended to have a specific group of friends and acitivities, it can be overwhelming to come to college, where there are hundreds of opportunities. But all those opportunities are for growth; they can help you to learn so much about yourself. It's ok to try new activities, and not hang out with the same people all the time. Do the things you love, and show love and appreciation for your friends, but never be afraid or closed off to new chances. You can never know whether a new club, a new set of people, or even a class that is out of your major or comfort zone can affect your worldview, your identity, and your life in a positive way.